Four local fire departments have been awarded grants to help prevent wildfires.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ forestry bureau and U.S. Forest Service have awarded a total of $186,223 in cost-share grants to rural Iowa fire departments.

The grants offer 50 percent funding assistance for wildfire suppression equipment, personal protective equipment and communication equipment.

Perry, Churdan, Menlo and Van Meter are among the 83 departments receiving 2012 Volunteer Fire Assistance grants.  The goal is to help protect Iowans and their property from wildfires.